• Zeshade@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      It’s not about control, it’s about trying to protect the economy from uncertainty.

      Edit: to clarify: the part of the economy that serves large business owners (business real estate stocks, the shares of their company and the stock market in general). I really don’t think the majority of managers care that much about control.

      • SquiffSquiff@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        It’s absolutely about control. Example. I did a short spell at a hedge fund earlier this year and they were hyper-focussed about staff being onsite. Didn’t even have seating in the kitchen or a dining area. Just bank after bank of fixed desks with people yelling at each other on video calls to other people in the same office. Control, control, control.

        • Zeshade@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          Maybe I’m lucky to not work in such a horrible environment. Thanks for sharing. Why do people put up with it… I mean I know it’s not always easy to find work elsewhere.

          • SquiffSquiff@lemmy.world
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            11 months ago

            In this particular case, a combination of factors:

            • The company must ensure that all work-related communications for the traders (the people directing billions for the organisation and its customers) are recorded, not just recording all phone calls and emails, literally everything. They like to have these people work onsite for this because of course nobody can ever be trusted and nobody ever goes to lunch…
            • Management is all boomers - literally can’t get their heads around remote work. They think that if you aren’t in the office suffering then you are skiving. It’s literally about an identity and conformity.
            • Management is completely focussed on traders - ‘if they all have to be here then so must everyone else’
            • They pay exceptionally well. Absolutely a horrible environment but if you move the needle at a hedge fund then they will pay you more than any other type of employer.
            • Zeshade@lemmy.world
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              11 months ago

              I see. Really weird to hear about these old school boomers’ mentality. I thought they were the minority because “why would I work for you if you say shit like that?” In the tech industry where I work this wouldn’t fly. Or companies push for rto just to push people out. But I can now imagine how it can be in other industries.

        • Zeshade@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          Just to clarify I’m not saying the productivity argument to force everyone back is valid. I think I’m just lucky to be working with reasonable people who value the flexibility of a balance of WFH and RTO. Managers and other staff alike.

          • GrindingGears@lemmy.ca
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            11 months ago

            There is no flexibility when you have mandated WFH and RTO. Can you come and go on your own accord, going to an office only when you feel you would better accomplish your tasks there? That’s flexibility. We work from home Monday Tuesday, and at the office Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday? That’s not flexibility.

            • Zeshade@lemmy.world
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              11 months ago

              Ah I see. Basically yes we have proper flexibility. There’s encouragement to go in more but no “stick” (yet). Some are fully remote and doing well for example.

      • GrundlButter@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        11 months ago

        If by economy you mean business owners, business real estate, and the stock market, yes. The RTO mandates certainly aren’t about protecting the workers or productivity though.

        Remember, the workers, buying power, and productivity are part of “the economy” too, it’s not just what the stock market is doing. RTO mandates are harming that for jobs that can be done remotely.

        • Zeshade@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          Yes I meant what you said, exactly. The part of the economy that serves business owners.

          • GrundlButter@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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            11 months ago

            I think you got misunderstood. People thought you meant protecting that part of the economy was a good thing. We’re over here wanting “trickle down” economics to come to an end before any of us ever give a shit about businesses. Give us our fair share, or at least a living wage, or burn.